HELP: The Farthing 'myth'

[Sam Flynn]

Hi Ben,

that is to say he may also have wished to rob his victims for real.

If so, he might have chosen more promising targets... like men with watch-chains

[Dan Norder]

The theory that the Ripper pretended to only be robbing his victims to gain their compliance and silence was argued in some detail by Tom Wescott in his article "A Murder in the Neighborhood: The Berner Street Mystery - Part 2".

I think it's a very plausible idea.

[Ben]

Absolutely.

For instance, I can easily envisage Jack pocketing Kelly's meagre earnings after the Miller's Court carnage.

[Sam Flynn]

I think it's a very plausible idea.

Agreed, Dan - in fact he may have adopted one of a battery of ruses: Feigned robbery, a promise of money, offering somewhere to sleep, knowing where to get a drink, asking for directions...

[Septic Blue]

... he may have adopted one of a battery of ruses: Feigned robbery, a promise of money, offering somewhere to sleep, knowing where to get a drink, asking for directions...

Perhaps a coupon for a free 'straightening' and a complimentary bowl of matzah ball soup.

Chapman's Barnet was looking a bit frizzy !!!


Colin

[Sam Flynn]

Chapman's Barnet was looking a bit frizzy !!!

"I am down on hairs, and shan't quit snipping them..."

[DVV]

"To the confusing part, we could add that Major Smith refers to the fartings in his memoirs"

A simple typing error no doubt, yet it does rather some up some peoples opinion of Major Smith's memoirs.

Rgds
John

Hello Mr Savage,
thanks for this. You inspired me a new theory, let's call it the "Major Smith's farting theory". That would explain how this excellent man almost successfully tracked down Jack up to Dorset Street.
More seriously, I understand that my poor English is unpleasant to read, and I'm sincerely sorry and uneasy for that. I confess I enjoy the boards very much, it is the only place for me to discuss. In France, people merely know about the conspiracy, Maybrick, Cornwell, or the French disastrous "Macnaughten theory".
Imagine how it is difficult to talk, unless you have too much pastis.
Friendly,
DVV (very sorry broken english poster)

[DVV]

"To the confusing part, we could add that Major Smith refers to the fartings in his memoirs"

A simple typing error no doubt, yet it does rather some up some peoples opinion of Major Smith's memoirs.

Rgds
John

Hello Mr Savage,
thanks for this. You inspired me a new theory, let's call it the "Major Smith's farting theory". That would explain how this excellent man almost successfully tracked down Jack up to Dorset Street.
More seriously, I understand that my poor English is unpleasant to read, and I'm sincerely sorry and uneasy for that. I confess I enjoy the boards very much, it is the only place for me to discuss. In France, people merely know about the conspiracy, Maybrick, Cornwell, or the French disastrous "Macnaghten theory".
Imagine how it is difficult to talk, unless you have too much pastis.
Friendly,
DVV (very sorry broken english poster)

[joelhall]

If there had been any type of coins at Annie's feet I suppose it would have had to have been considered one of the Ripper's cruel jokes, like he was paying her for her services after killing her.

if true this is my sentiment exactly. i dont buy into the ritualistic theories.

[Inspector Abberline]

Hi everyone, I'm new and I was hoping someone could help me out with this. Up until recently I like many, considered the eerily placed farthings by Annie's feet merely another enduring myth of the Ripper and his legacy. But several authors in the last several years have claimed that the farthing 'myth' is, in fact, truth. Can someone clear this up for me or is this yet another area of Ripper study thats destined for perpetual argument?

Thanks guys

Hi

Both in The JTR A to Z( 1991) and in the The Complete JTR A to Z (2010) by Begg, Fido and Skinner the theory of the farthings is supported. I simply fail to understand that.

Abberline

[spyglass]

Well !
If Maybrick was JTR, then there is no doubt that coins were left at the feet of Chapman because he admitted it
But on a serious note, is there many serious ripperoligists out there that still think it was at least likely?

[curious4]

Farthings

Hej Jukka!

I think I remember reading something about a man polishing farthings until they shone to cheat the poor prostitutes into believing that they were more valuable coins and possibly that these were found on at least one of the victims.

As to putting them on the eyes of dead people, they used pennies, perhaps to pay the ferryman but also for the very practical reason of keeping the eyes closed - a farthing would have been too small and light!

I do hope no-one will stop posting messages because their english is not perfect - don´t know how well we english would do in french after all. Couldn´t resist a smile, though, have made similar mistakes in my second language.

[Krinoid]

Hi

Both in The JTR A to Z( 1991) and in the The Complete JTR A to Z (2010) by Begg, Fido and Skinner the theory of the farthings is supported. I simply fail to understand that.

Abberline

Is that true? I also thought one press report did mention this also at the time, why would they make this up?

[ChrisGeorge]

Hej Jukka!

I think I remember reading something about a man polishing farthings until they shone to cheat the poor prostitutes into believing that they were more valuable coins and possibly that these were found on at least one of the victims.

Hi all

For those of you who may not know it, Kevin Michael wrote "A Tale of Two Farthings" characterized as "in (modest) defense of Sir Henry Smith" for Ripperologist 78, April 2007. I have been in contact with him about doing a follow-up to the article. The cover of the issue containing his article can be seen here. It is well established that spivs tried to pass off polished farthings as half sovereigns.

Best regards

Chris

[Wickerman]

Hi all

For those of you who may not know it, Kevin Michael wrote "A Tale of Two Farthings" characterized as "in (modest) defense of Sir Henry Smith" for Ripperologist 78, April 2007. I have been in contact with him about doing a follow-up to the article. The cover of the issue containing his article can be seen here. It is well established that spivs tried to pass off polished farthings as half sovereigns.

Best regards

Chris

Chris.
Given that the suggestion has been made of clients passing off a polished farthing instead of a half-sovereign to a prostitute, doesn't the question then arise as to "why give 10 shillings (half-sovereign) to a prostitute?"
I don't have a precise number for what they charged but I would think 10 shillings would be way over the top.

Regards, Jon S.